Dr. Jarralynne Agee to Lead Grant Writing Workshop with SBA and Miles College Women's Business Center

The HBCU Applied Research Center is proud to celebrate Dr. Jarralynne F. Agee, who will serve as the lead instructor for the Grant Readiness Academy: The Winning Season, a four-part grant writing series presented by the Miles College Women's Business Center in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

The academy is designed to equip entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, researchers, faculty, and small business owners with practical strategies for securing competitive grant funding in today's rapidly evolving funding landscape. Participants will learn how to identify funding opportunities, develop compelling proposals, build competitive budgets, and leverage artificial intelligence to strengthen grant applications.

As a nationally recognized multi-million-dollar grant writer and principal investigator, Dr. Agee has secured and managed millions of dollars in federal, state, corporate, and foundation funding to support research, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and institutional transformation. During the academy, she will share practical techniques drawn directly from her own funded proposals—including proposal strategy, narrative development, budget preparation, reviewer expectations, and AI-assisted grant writing.

The series will be hosted and moderated by Talibah Bayles, Director of the Miles College Women's Business Center, and opens with an Industry Insights panel featuring Sandrieka L. Moore, Business Development Specialist with the U.S. Small Business Administration, and Zhaundra C. Jones, Vice President of Strategy & Impact at The Women's Foundation.

"One of my guiding principles is that there should be no gatekeeping when it comes to helping organizations secure resources," said Dr. Agee. "Participants won't just hear about successful grants—they'll learn from actual funded proposals, practical examples, winning strategies, and the tools that have helped secure millions of dollars in competitive funding."

The Grant Readiness Academy reflects the HBCU Applied Research Center's mission of expanding research capacity, strengthening community partnerships, and helping institutions, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs compete successfully for external funding.

Event Information

Grant Readiness Academy: The Winning Season – Session 1: Industry InsightsDate: Thursday, July 9, 2026

Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Location: SBA Alabama District Office, Birmingham, Alabama (with a virtual attendance option)

Training Topics: Accounting/Budget, Business Financing, Business Start-up/Preplanning, Managing a Business, Other, Social Media, Technology, Woman-owned Businesses

Description:

U.S. Small Business Administration Alabama District Office 2 North 20th Street, Suite 325 Birmingham, AL 35203

The Winning Season™ Grant Readiness Academy

A FREE 4-Part Grant Writing Series

Ready to position your organization for funding success?

 Join the Miles College Women's Business Center, for The Winning Season™ Grant Readiness Academy—a free four-part grant writing and grant readiness series designed to help organizations build the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to successfully pursue grant funding.

Whether you're a small business owner, nonprofit leader, educator, faith-based organization, community advocate, or aspiring grant writer, this series will provide practical strategies, expert guidance, and valuable connections to help you become grant-ready and build a sustainable funding pipeline.

Who Should Attend?

•Small Business Owners

•Nonprofit Organizations

•Educational Institutions

•Faith-Based Organizations

•Community Organizations

•Individuals Interested in Grant Funding

Series Schedule

- Thursday, July 9 | 11:00AM–12:30 PM

Kickoff Panel DiscussionHear directly from funders, experienced grant writers, agency representatives, and successful grant recipients as they discuss what it takes to build a grant-ready organization, secure funding, and strengthen community impact.

- Thursday, July 16 | 11:00AM–12:30 PM

Find the FundingExplore funding opportunities, learn where to find grants, and develop a strategic approach to identifying funding sources that align with your mission.

- Thursday, July 23 | 11:00AM–12:30 PM

The Age of AI Proposal Writing Learn the essential components of a competitive grant proposal, including how to communicate your organization's story, demonstrate community need, and clearly define measurable outcomes.

-Thursday, July 30 | 11:00AM–12:30 PM

Build the BudgetGain practical guidance on developing grant budgets, understanding compliance requirements, and creating financially sound proposals that funders can trust.

Location / Hybrid Remote

U.S. Small Business Administration

Alabama District Office

2 North 20th Street, Suite 325

Birmingham, AL 35203

Cost - FREE — Registration Required

What You'll Gain

•Expert insights from experienced grant professionals

•Practical grant writing tools and resources

•Connections with funders and community partners

•Strategies to strengthen your organization's grant readiness

•Greater confidence in pursuing grant opportunities

Whether you're preparing your first grant application or looking to strengthen your organization's funding strategy, The Winning Season™ Grant Readiness Academy will equip you with the knowledge, tools, and connections to move from opportunity to action.

Register today and begin your winning season.

Registration is free and open to the public.

Register here:https://mcwbc.ecenterdirect.com/events/971582

Learn more about the HBCU Applied Research Center and our work to advance research, innovation, and institutional capacity across HBCUs at https://www.hbcuarc.com.

Learn more about the Miles College Women's Business Center at www.milescollegewbc.org